MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry issued a tearful on-air apology Saturday to Mitt Romney's family for her controversial comments about the former GOP presidential candidate's adopted grandchild, saying she was “deeply sorry” for how the segment unfolded.

Harris-Perry came under fire earlier this week after joking last Sunday about Kieran Romney, who is black and was in a holiday photo, pictured on Romney's lap. She subsequently apologized on Twitter and in a statement. On Saturday, she addressed the issue on her cable news show.

"Whatever the intent was, the reality is that the segment proceeded in a way that was offensive, and showing the photo in that context, that segment, was poor judgment," she said. "So without reservation or qualification, I apologize to the Romney family."

Further, she said that families of public figures, "especially their children, should not be treated callously or thoughtlessly. My intention was not malicious, but I broke the ground rule that families are off-limits and for that I am sorry."